Husband DX with Stage IV

Alisa.....absolutely you can get a second opinion. Everyone that has a diagnosis of cancer should and usually does and you want someone who is a specialist in bladder cancer. Many uro's know a lot about prostate cancer but do not see that much bladder cancer. This is a highly specialized field.
As for the pathology report it is yours...all you have to do is call the hospital where he had his tests and request a copy. No matter where your husband is in his prognosis you want a multidisciplinary team on your side of uro's, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists (very important) and those that deal with palliative care. You are not offending your uro by getting a second opinion...my second opinion saved my life.......by all means please consult with Mayo and Dr. Blute and get in as quickly as possible.
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Pat

im not familiar with the stages.., i 'll have to get the pathology reports from the doctor, it just seems like they are not giving us the information, and im sure it has to do with my husband not wanting to know but i need to know, basically they just told us prognosis not good, and again that surgery would only be for comfort, I will have to contact them

Okay so my question is even if we are already recieving treatment at a location, can we still get a second opionion? He has Invasive bladder cancer if that helps??? Yeah the spreading to the muscle groups that is what we are being told by the doctor, according to the dr.Thankyou for your support,we were told that due to the cancer spreading, the only reason to do surgery is if they can remove all cancer and since it has spread there is no reason, only to give comfort care????

Hi Alisa, I am sorry that you and your husband are having to cope with Bladder Cancer at your age. Most of the time it is seen in people over 60 but the age of onset seems to be going down.

I believe if you want to know what other options would be available he will need to be seen at a major cancer center that has specialist in Bladder Cancer especially a urologist, and a urological oncologist and perhaps a radiation oncologist. Did anyone bring up other chemo agents or radiation or even surgery? I do know that several people with Stage IV Bladder Cancer have had some success with MVAC. I think the suggestion to get a second opinion from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester would be a good idea. What type of Bladder Cancer was your husband diagnosed with? Where is he being seen now?

I am a little puzzled by the cancer showing up in the muscles as I have not heard of it spreading to muscle groups. Usually the lungs, liver, pelvic region, lymph nodes and into the bones.

Most chemo treatments will depressed blood cell production. it is fairly common for people to have to stop chemo until there cell count is back up.

You probably hear from other caregivers whose spouses have/had Stage IV Bladder Cancer in the next couple of days. Each situation was unique as to the course the cancer took.
We will be here for you and your family. Julie